In this episode of the PlayAbly Podcast, we dive into one of the most iconic—and controversial—marketing campaigns of all time: McDonald’s Monopoly.

From its debut in 1987 to its massive fraud scandal in the early 2000s and eventual comeback, McDonald’s Monopoly is a masterclass in gamified customer engagement. But what made it so effective? And what can modern ecommerce brands learn from it?

We cover:

• The history and mechanics of the Monopoly game
• Why the “Alternate Method of Entry (AMOE)” matters for legal sweepstakes
• The McMillions fraud scandal and how it shook the industry
• Behavioral psychology behind reward loops, scarcity, and collectibility
• Key takeaways for DTC brands looking to level up their customer journey

We also explore how ecommerce brands can replicate that kind of loyalty and repeat purchase behavior with tools like PlayAbly
— from shoppable games
to gamification rewards programs
and seasonal interactive campaigns.

🧠 Whether you're a Shopify brand, a retention marketer, or just a fan of marketing psychology, this episode will give you fresh ideas to make your brand more engaging and unforgettable.

Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast, where we dive into the art and science of gamification, customer engagement, and driving conversions.

At PlayAbly, we turn passive audiences into active customers through shoppable games and playable experiences that transform how brands connect with their customers. Book your free demo here.

Get Your First Month of PlayAbly free when you mention this Podcast during your free PlayAbly Demo - learn how gamification can improve your ecommerce shop at www.playably.ai